Teachable Moments

Working with wood often results in teachable moments - if we pay attention.

Chopped, sliced, ground down, cut to pieces - trees of oak, cherry, maple and every other variety have become the things of beauty found at Redeux Vintage Furniture. 50, 75, 100 and more years old, they have outlived those that took them from the forest and those that changed them. Interesting what happens when change comes. Weak, defective trees can wind up as scrap. Strong ones with character can wind up as things of beauty – more useful because of the change than without it. A teachable moment? Maybe. 

Work continues at Redeux. We’ve had to change some plans regarding our painted furniture. Our “artist series” has been postponed – for now. We are, of course, continuing with our cottage - painted pieces.

Our latest painted piece is a “Hoosier” style cupboard. Made in the 1930’s, this piece was likely manufactured by the Sellers Company. These cupboards came in various styles and originally were part of a mid-west (thus, Hoosier) grocery chain’s marketing scheme. Points were awarded to customers so they could buy one of these cabinets at a “discount”.  Of course, since they had various shelves, bins and cubbyholes for food items the owners would become more frequent and loyal customers of the grocery store. Decades later Plaid, Green and other “bonus stamps” would be given out by other grocery store chains to redeem for merchandise. But, nothing was quite like getting a Hoosier cabinet. This interesting piece of Americana would be a nice addition to a kitchen or even a sun-room potting area. It has been cleaned and given an updated paint job (from a poor job added sometime in the 1950’s or so). The original enamel work top surface is intact. 

For you Mission Furniture aficionados we now have a desk in excellent condition. It has original hardware, side book shelves and great patina. It’s a real beauty.

For end tables we have a few interesting pieces in. A “Jamestown Lounge Company” oak table is a solid beauty with interesting carvings. It also has a drawer and a storage shelf. 

Another is an oak table with elegantly shaped legs, bent wood elements and a center drawer. A matching pair of mahogany tables should be ready very soon. The grain on this pair is exceptionally beautiful. Stop by to take a look – even before it is given the “spa treatment”. 

For those interested in some useful collectibles we have just gotten in a rather large assortment of jars - of various sizes, shapes and designs - that came from a tobacco shop. Most have the original labeling on them with the names of the tobacco. A few can be seen on the photo of the Hoosier cabinet.

I’m working on all the special items many of you have asked for. Wendy, Emily, Kathy and Joanne – I’m working overtime!!

This coming week, October 2 through 6, Redeux will be celebrating our “Year and a Half Anniversary”. Yes, we’ve been here for one and a half years already! We’ll be having some “very specials” on many items, refreshments and “The Redhead” will be here on Saturday the 6^th to greet you all. 

Finally, let me ask each of you to please spread the word about Redeux. If you like what we do tell a friend.  If there is something we can or should have done better – please tell me.

Hope to see you soon. Don't forget to stop by during our "Year- and- a- Half Anniversary" Celebrations!

Bill